Power Supply Woes Persist in Gombe, Residents Lament.
Residents of Gombe, the capital city of Gombe State, are suffering due to erratic power supply, which has worsened their economic struggles. The collapse of four 33KV transmission towers on April 22 has exacerbated the issue, leaving residents without electricity for over 72 hours.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company has implemented load shedding, allocating 10MW to Gombe customers and Ashaka Cement Company. Residents have expressed frustration, citing missed business opportunities, food spoilage, and increased expenses due to reliance on public phone charging centers and diesel generators.
Newspaper vendor Yakubu Barnabas lamented the loss of income and fear of phone theft or damage. Restaurant operator Fatima Musa noted the power outage has worsened water supply, as tanker drivers rely on electricity to pump water.
The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Gombe State chapter, Yusuf Aish, criticized the Doma feeder’s inadequate power supply, while the Chairman of Gombe State Network of Civil Society Organisations, Ibrahim Yusuf, condemned the slow pace of repairs. Solar panel dealer Sammy Daniels reported increased sales, emphasizing the need for green energy.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has promised to complete repairs on the vandalized towers by May 27, restoring power to Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi, and Jalingo.
Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has assured that efforts are being made to expedite the restoration of power supply to the affected areas.